Turkish Parliament Speaker Says Troop Vote Rejected

Reuters ^

[RCW2001]

ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey's parliament speaker said on Saturday a motion to allow U.S. troops into the country for a possible war in Iraq had been rejected, a member of parliament told reporters. The issue is crucial to U.S. military plans and Turkey's relations with Washington.

The vote, carried out behind closed doors, ended with 264 votes for and 251 votes against with 19 abstentions -- an apparent slim victory for the government.

But the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) challenged the result on the grounds that the government had not won the 267 votes needed to represent a majority of the 534 lawmakers present in the assembly.

The government must now decide whether to try to present a similar resolution to the assembly again and gather the few votes it needs.

The resolution, which would also have cleared the way for dispatching Turkish troops to Iraq in case of war, had drawn widespread opposition in Turkey.

Fearing the economic and political impact of any conflict on its borders, Ankara had been reluctant to agree to any role in the war. Rejection of Washington's request will however deprive Turkey of U.S. financial support and a say in the future of northern Iraq, where Turkey has key interests.

U.S. ships are currently waiting with supplies off Turkey's Mediterranean coast to unload. For months Ankara and Washington have been working on an agreement which was expected to include some $6 billion in U.S. grants for Turkey and some $24 billion in loan guarantees.

[Dog Gone]

Either it passed or it didn't. This really shouldn't be something which is debateable.

Surely the rules of the Turkish Parliament are clear on whether an absolute majority vote is required.

[smokeyjon]

Fox is actually saying that right now.

[Cate]

oh oh...

[clintonh8r]

Apparently NOT.....

[willgetsome]

No worries....we'll save billions if we go elsewhere.

[Mark Felton]

$15 Billion for 62,000 troops = $241,935.48 per troop.

...and that does not even include room, board or Turkish Delight on the pillows at night.

[Catspaw]

I just started swearing.

[willgetsome]

I fail to see what the big deal is. Turkey has made a decision, now let them live with it. They get no money and the war starts elsewhere and maybe 2 weeks behind schedule.

2-3 weeks later but $20 Billion cheaper? Ok.

[marajade]

We just need to forget it...

The war is going to happen... why wouldn't Turkey want military support and the money to help their oountry?

[tomahawk]

Well, if Turkey voted no, then one of two things happens. The Turkish military steps in, or the Turkish economy implodes and there will be a Kurdish state after all.

[Petronski]

Turkey must understand that it will either be awash in our generosity and gratitude, or will cut itself adrift from our amity. Recovery from the latter condition will be difficult and prolonged.

[AntiDemocrat]

The Second Front is now "official".

Get the troops and equipment onshore...and Let's Roll!